2000 Toyota Camry or 2002 Chevy Cavalier?

Question

I'm looking at purchasing one of two cars. One of them is a 2000 Toyota Camry with 102k miles on it. The other is a 2002 Chevy Cavalier with 60k miles. The Cavalier is also about $500 less than the Camry. Both cars are in great condition and have been well serviced and taken care of. Any opinion on which one I should go with? I'm leaning towards the Cavalier of course, because it costs less and is about 40k lower. But I know from personal friends that those Camry's can go on over 200K+ if they are well serviced and maintained. Thoughts?

Answer 1

Stick with American made.
Parts and service is cheaper than foreign, and parts are easier to get than foreign because sometimes foreign parts are a dealer item only and you will pay through the nose.
Trust me, been there, done that.

Answer 2

Look up the historical test data on Consumer Reports website. The Camry has consistently been one of the best and most reliable cars sold in the US, along with the Honda Accord. The Cavalier has consistently been one of the WORST and least reliable sold in the US.

Keep in mind that it isn't a US vs foreign issue. The Camry has been made in the US for many years. The Cav may have been made in the US, Canada or Mexico.

While the Cav has fewer miles now, in 100,000 miles the Camry will still be going strong with basic care and the Cav will likely be in the junk yard no matter how much you baby it.

The fact that the Cav is $500 cheaper despite being 2 years newer and with 40,000 less miles should tell you something LOUDLY AND CLEARLY. Mile for mile the difference in price between the two will get larger, the Cav will never catch up with the Camry -- unless the Camry gets hit by a freight train running 60 MPH.

A new Cavalier cost about half what a new Camry did. There's a good reason for that disparity. And while parts for the Cav might be cheaper, you'll spend far more in repairs over 100,000 miles on the Cav than you'll ever spend on the Camry. The Camry stands a darn good shot of needing nothing but ordinary maintenance to make it to 200,000 miles. The Cav will nickel and dime you to death over the years.

Answer 3

Even though I work at a Toyota service department, I would lean towards the Chevy in this particular case. Granted Chevy's tend to have fuel related problems that can be expensive to fix, and are known to have transmission issues also. The fact that the Cavalier has low mileage and is less than the Camry tells you the value of the cars. Still the Cavalier has a better chance of surviving longer for you than the Camry.

Answer 4

Toyotas are much better than Chevys. My mom has a 2000 Camry I've driven a few times, and it's a nice car that's really held up. My first car was a 1993 Camry and I loved it. My brother drives a '96 Camry, and he's never had problems with it, and that's saying a lot for an 11 year old car. American made cars will break down a lot sooner than foreign, although they're initially cheaper. That's my experience.

Answer 5

Definitely go with the Camry. I have a Camry right now and it currently has 200000 miles and still running great. It will take care of you as long as you take care of it. Buy the camry and good luck.

Answer 6

Yikes! Get the Camry.

I know the Chevy has less miles, but it's just a piece of crap.

Edit:
bostonianinmo has the best answer.

Answer 7

Camry

Answer 8

Go with the Cavalier.

Sure, Camrys might be able to go over 200k if serviced properly, but you don't know who owned it before you and how they treated it. It might be too late for that car.

Answer 9

I was in the same situation, and was advised by almost everyone I talked to to go with the Honda or Toyota, because of their reputation, great gas mileage, and also how long that they'll still be around. I'd definitely go with the Camry..Good Luck!

Answer 10

go with the camry. it's a much nicer car that gets good gas mileage and is safer and has better ratings.